‘Rutgers’ Tomato, organic seeds(Solanum lycopersicum)

Name: ‘Rutgers’ Tomato, organic seeds ( Solanum lycopersicum )
Brand: Gaia
SKU: GAI-SEMENCES
Price: 4.99 CAD
Availability: InStock

Product code : TOM.7926.GH

Rutgers is an organic, open-pollinated, determinate New Jersey heirloom tomato. Gaia describes large, round, meaty red tomatoes weighing approximately 8 ounces, with good yields and good flavour. They are excellent fresh and particularly suited to canning. Gaia lists 36 to 48 inches high, 2 to 3 feet wide, and two maturity ranges: 60 to 100 days in the description but 70 to 80 days in the technical table. The packet contains approximately 25 seeds, lot GO-0000010, with reported germination above 85%. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season.

‘Rutgers’ Tomato, organic seeds (Solanum lycopersicum) Rutgers is an open-pollinated New Jersey heirloom certified organic by Ecocert Canada. Gaia describes a determinate variety with large vines, good yields, and good flavour. Its large, round, meaty red tomatoes weigh approximately 8 ounces. They are particularly useful for canning, sauces, and passata while remaining excellent fresh in sandwiches, salads, and tomato platters. Determinate growth concentrates harvest more than an indeterminate tomato, but productive stems may still benefit from a cage or stake as fruit becomes heavy. Regular picking at full colour keeps ripe tomatoes ready for both kitchen use and preservation throughout the harvest period.

Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before planting, approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep. Gaia lists germination in 5 to 10 days from 21 to 32°C, with an optimum of 23 to 29°C. Keep the mix moist without standing water and provide bright light after emergence. Harden plants off gradually by reducing water and nitrogen without allowing wilt. Transplant after frost risk has passed into fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart and rows 4 to 6 feet apart. Add a cage if the stems need support while the large tomatoes develop, and water at soil level to reduce splashing on foliage.

Gaia’s description lists 60 to 100 days to maturity, while its technical table shows 70 to 80 days. Both ranges are retained to represent the source accurately. Gaia also lists a height of 36 to 48 inches, a width of 2 to 3 feet, and L fruit size. Harvest after tomatoes are fully red for the best flavour. Fruit that has begun colouring can finish ripening off the vine above 21°C. The packet contains approximately 25 organic seeds, lot GO-0000010, with reported germination above 85%; the code is TOM.7926.GH. Store whole tomatoes from 12 to 21°C at approximately 95% relative humidity and rinse under potable water immediately before cutting.

Uses in the garden

Grow Rutgers in full sun in a vegetable garden, edible bed, or large container. The determinate plant reaches 36 to 48 inches high and 2 to 3 feet wide. Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart and rows 4 to 6 feet apart. A cage can support the large vines and large red tomatoes weighing approximately 8 ounces. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry, then adjust frequency for weather, drainage, and container volume.

01 How many Rutgers tomato seeds are in the packet?

The Gaia packet contains approximately 25 organic Rutgers tomato seeds certified by Ecocert Canada. Lot GO-0000010 reports germination above 85% and carries code TOM.7926.GH. Gaia identifies Rutgers as an annual, open-pollinated, determinate heirloom. Because the quantity is approximate, a small variation may occur. Keep the packet with seedlings so the cultivar, certification, and lot remain correctly identified. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering.

02 How should Rutgers tomato seeds be started?

Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before planting, approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep in clean, moist seed-starting mix. Gaia lists germination in 5 to 10 days from 21 to 32°C, with an optimum of 23 to 29°C. Keep the mix moist without standing water and provide bright light after emergence. Harden plants off gradually, then transplant after frost in full sun, spacing plants 12 to 18 inches apart. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering.

03 How large does Rutgers tomato grow?

Gaia lists a determinate plant 36 to 48 inches high and 2 to 3 feet wide, with large productive vines. The round red fruit weighs approximately 8 ounces and is classed as L. Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart. Even with determinate growth, a cage can support stems when several large tomatoes develop at once. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots.

04 Is Rutgers tomato suitable for canning?

Yes. Gaia describes Rutgers as good for canning and excellent fresh. Its large, round, meaty red tomatoes weighing approximately 8 ounces suit sauces, passata, and canned tomato pieces. Always use a tested canning recipe, follow its specified acid quantities and processing times, and refrigerate preparations that have not been processed for room-temperature storage. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots.

05 When should Rutgers tomatoes be harvested?

Gaia provides two maturity ranges: 60 to 100 days in the description and 70 to 80 days in the technical table. Harvest Rutgers after tomatoes are fully red and yield slightly under gentle pressure. Fruit that has begun colouring can finish ripening off the vine above 21°C. Pick the approximately 8-ounce fruit carefully and store it whole from 12 to 21°C at approximately 95% relative humidity. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering.